Anticancer Herbs

Triphala

How It Works

BOTTOM LINE :The anticancer effect of Triphala has not been confirmed in humans.

Triphala is an herbal formulation used in the Indian medicinal system of Ayurveda for the treatment of various ailments. It consists of three medicinal plants: Emblica officinalis, Terminalia chebula, and Terminalia belerica. It is used for anemia, jaundice, constipation, asthma, fever, chronic ulcers, inflammation, obesity and to strengthen the immune system against infections such as pneumonia, tuberculosis, and AIDS. Triphala was shown to have beneficial effects in studies done in laboratory and in animals. However human data are lacking.

Purported Uses

To treat Infections

Studies done in mice showed that Triphala can reduce infections. No studies have been done in humans.

To decrease high levels of cholesterol

Triphala was shown to reduce cholesterol levels in rats with high cholesterol. However, this has not been studied in humans.

To strengthen the immune system

Studies in rats have shown that Triphala can improve immune function but human data are lacking.

Research Evidence

Several laboratory studies have shown that Triphala has beneficial effects. However, it has not been studied in humans.

Side Effects

Intestinal gas Stomach upset Diarrhea.

Clinical Summary

Triphala is an herbal formulation that is widely used in Ayurveda for the treatment of various ailments. It consists of equal portions of dried and powdered fruits of three medicinal plants: Emblica officinalis, Terminalia chebula, and Terminalia belerica. It is used for anemia, jaundice, constipation, asthma, fever, chronic ulcers, inflammation, obesity and to promote immunity against infections such as pneumonia, tuberculosis, and AIDS. Triphala has been shown to have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, immunomodulatory, chondroprotective, and anticancer properties in vitro. Triphala's effects are due to the polyphenols and flavonoids present in its constituents. It also demonstrated hypolipidemic effects in hypercholesterolemic rats. However, these effects have not been tested in clinical trials. Triphala may cause gastrointestinal side effects.

The exact mechanism of action is not known although the polyphenols and flavonoids are thought to be responsible for many of Triphala's effects. Gallic acid, a major polyphenol in Triphala, has antioxidant property. Triphala also increased the reactive oxygen species (ROS) in breast cancer cells (MCF-7 and T-47D), resulting in apoptosis. Terminalia chebula, one of the components of Triphala, was shown to be a potent hyaluronidase and collagenase inhibitor that prevented degradation of cartilage. Triphala also protected mice from radiation-induced mortality. Oral administration of Triphala enhanced the immune functions in rats.

Ashwagandha

How It Works

BOTTOM LINE :While ashwagandha has shown an ability to hinder the growth of cancer cells in laboratory tests and enhance radiation therapy in animals, it is unknown if these effects can be replicated in humans.

A popular Ayurvedic medicinal substance derived from the root and berry of the plant. Ashwagandha contains numerous biologically active components. It is thought that some of these components can influence potent hormone-like substances that cause arthritis inflammation. Extracts of the root also increase the number of red and white blood cells and platelets in the blood. Ashwagandha has been shown to relax the central nervous system in animals. Studies in laboratories have shown that extracts of ashwagandha kill some cancer cells and enhance some immune cells. It is thought that the structure of ashwagandha extracts may damage the cancer cells ability to generate the energy it needs to reproduce. Ashwagandha also reduces the level of glutathione, an antioxidant, in tumor cells which may enhance the effects of radiation therapy against those cells. Studies in animals have demonstrated possible toxicity, however comparable effects have not been observed in humans.

Purported Uses

To treat cancer While ashwagandha has shown promise in animal and laboratory studies, few trials have demonstrated an effect in humans.

To treat diabetes No scientific evidence supports this use.

To treat epilepsy No scientific evidence supports this use.

To reduce fatigue Ashwagandha has been shown to increase blood cell counts in the lab, however it is unclear if this will reduce fatigue in humans.

To treat digestive disorders No scientific evidence supports this use.

To maintain health Ashwagandha has antioxidant properties in lab tests, however it is unclear if it will have any effect on humans.

To reduce pain Ashwagandha has been shown to have a tranquilizing effect in animals. It is unclear if this will reduce pain in humans.

To treat rheumatoid arthritis A clinical trial showed effectiveness of a herbomineral formula containing ashwagandha. To what extent ashwagandha played a role in the reduction in pain severity and disability is unclear.

As a sedative Ashwagandha has been shown to have a tranquilizing effect in animals. It is unclear if it has a similar effect in humans.

To treat skin infections No scientific evidence supports this use.

To relieve stress Ashwagandha has been shown to have a tranquilizing effect in animals. It is unclear if it has a similar effect in humans.

Research Evidence

Arthritis Pain : Forty-two volunteers with osteoarthritis participated in a trial of a herbomineral formula containing ashwagandha. Volunteers were randomly assigned to receive either a combination of herbs and minerals or placebo for three months. After a fifteen-day washout period, treatments were reversed. Volunteers in the treatment group reported significant drops in pain severity and disability score with few side effects. Because a combination of herbs was used, it is unclear if ashwagandha played an important role in the results.

Warnings

Do Not Take If

You are pregnant. (Ashwagandha may induce abortion.)

You are taking sedatives. (Ashwagandha may increase sedative effects.)

Scientific Name

Withania somnifera. Family :Solanaceae

Clinical Summary

A popular Ayurvedic medicinal substance derived from the root and berry of the plant. This herb is often used as a component in formulations prescribed for stress, strain, fatigue, pain, skin diseases, diabetes, gastrointestinal disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and epilepsy. It is also used as a general tonic, to increase energy and improve health and longevity. Externally, it can be applied as a local analgesic. In vitro, Ashwagandha is effective against breast, central nervous system, colon and lung cancer cell lines. Animal studies suggested ashwagandha have anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, immunomodulatory, antioxidant and anti-stress properties. Other studies have shown cytotoxic, chemo preventative, immunomodulating, and radio sensitizing effects.The herb may also help prevent chemotherapy induced neutropenia. Small scale human study suggest Ashwagandha may promote growth in children and improve hemoglobin concentration, red blood cell count and sexual performance in adults. A herbomineral formula containing ashwagandha was shown to benefit osteoarthritis in a clinical trial. Ashwagandha has also been found to be rich in iron. This herb may induce abortion. Pregnant women should avoid this herb.

Purported uses

Cancer treatment

Diabetes

Epilepsy

Fatigue

GI disorders

Health maintenance

Pain

Rheumatoid arthritis

Sedation

Skin infections

Stress

Constituents

Alkanoids: isopelletierine, anaferine

Steroidal lactones: withanolides, withaferins

Saponins: sitoindoside VII and VIII Iron

Mechanism of Action

Alkaloids, steroidal lactones, saponins and withanolides are thought to be the biologically active components. Studies have pointed to cyclooxygenase inhibition as the cause of the herb's anti-arthritis properties. Ashwagandha's anti-inflammatory effects were comparable to hydrocortisone sodium succinate in rats. The root extract of the herb produced significant increases in hemoglobin concentration, red blood cell count, white blood cell count and platelet count. Ashwagandha has been shown to exhibit antioxidant effects in the brain and to have a tranquilizing effect on the central nervous system in animals. In vitro, isolates from the root of the plant have cytotoxic properties against H-460, HCT-116, SF-268 and MCF-7 cell lines. Ashwagandha increase cytotoxic T lymphocyte production. Other studies show ashwagandha's cytotoxicity is related to its structure and that it enhances ATPase and inhibits succinate dehydrogenase activity, impairing oxidative phosphorylation. In animal studies, ashwagandha can increase the effects of radiation therapy and inhibits tumor growth. The herb also reduces tumor GSH levels which may contribute to the enhancement of radiation response. Ashwagandha can reverse paclitaxel induced neutropenia in mice. Significant toxicity was observed at high doses in animal studies, however, toxicity studies in humans are limited.

Shirodhara Massage

Atharva Ayurveda that offer shirodhara are careful to create a comfortable and tranquil environment with atmospheric background music and a soft treatment table.
Lying on your back, your body will be cocooned in warmed towels and your head will be positioned under the oil â€˜fountainâ€™ â€“ a metal bottle with a slow-flowing spout from which the oils will stream gently onto the forehead.

Abhyanga Massage

Abhyanga, the Ayurvedic form of massage, functions as both a strengthening and reducing therapy. There are four main reasons for giving or receiving an Abhyanga:
• The eliminate excess water and fat deposits
• To purify the blood and tissues of toxins
• To strengthen and rejuvenate
• To maintain strength and balance

Panchakarma

Panchakarma therapy is also used as a purification therapy to cleanse the body before starting a treatment. A diseased body can be compared to a soiled cloth which can not be colored as we desire. Hence to attain the maximum benefits , the body has to be purified or cleaned before starting the treatment.The cleared channels help medicines to penetrate the deeper tissues.

Research At Atharva Ayurved India

Currently Doing Research Project Title â€œClinical study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Polyherbal powder in patients with vitiligo.â€with The Department Of Pharmaceuticals Sciences,Saurashtra University,Rajkot. Currently Doing One More Research Project Title â€œAn open label study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Polyherbal formulations in patients with mild to moderate psoriasisâ€